How Much Does It Cost to Charge An Electric Car

Probably the single most asked question for potential electric vehicle buyers is how much charging an EV costs.

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the cost of electricity in your area, the type of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) you use, and how far you drive each day.

If you’re still on the fence about switching to an EV from a gas-powered car, doing some research on charging vs. gas prices will help you decide.

In this blog post, we'll explore the different costs associated with charging an electric car and help you determine how much you can expect to pay.

What is the Cost to Charge an EV in kWh?

To determine how much you spend on your monthly electric bill and calculate the per kilowatt-hour (kWh) rate, there are a few steps to follow. Firstly, you need to divide the number of kilowatt-hours you consumed by the total amount you paid for that month. This will give you the price you paid per kWh.

On average, an American household spends around 15 cents per kWh for electricity. This rate can then be used to calculate the cost of charging a typical electric vehicle.

The most basic electric car typically gets around 3 to 4 miles of range per kWh. To estimate the cost of charging an EV, divide your average monthly mileage into 3 to get the kWh you would use per month. Then, multiply that by the cost you pay per kWh. This will give you a rough estimate of the costs of charging an EV.

In most cases, the cost of charging an electric car will be lower than the monthly spending on gasoline. To put things into perspective, let's use the national average mileage and electricity rate.

If you drive around 1,183 miles per month, you will use about 394 kWh. By multiplying that by the average rate of 15 cents per kWh, you can expect to pay around $59 per month to charge your electric car.

While the cost of charging an electric car may vary depending on several factors, including the type of charger, the efficiency of the car, and your location, using the steps outlined above can give you a good estimate of what to expect. With electric vehicles becoming more popular, it's important to understand the costs associated with charging them and how they compare to traditional gasoline-powered cars.

Electricity vs. Gasoline Costs

Currently, the average price of gas in the United States is around $3.8 per gallon. If you have a 12-gallon gas-powered vehicle, it would cost approximately $45 to fill up your tank. Assuming that your car can get you 30 miles of range per gallon, a full tank would give you 360 miles of range.

Now, let's compare this to the cost of charging an electric vehicle. If you're driving around 1,183 miles per month, you'll have to make a trip to the gas station more than three times and spend around $144. This is a significant cost increase when compared to charging an EV.

Using the national average mileage and electricity rate, we can estimate that it will cost around $59 per month to charge an electric car. This is a 40% reduction in cost when compared to filling up a gas tank three times per month.

It's important to note that these estimates are based on current national averages and may vary over time. Additionally, the gap between the cost of charging an EV and fueling a gasoline-powered car may narrow as more fuel-efficient cars become available. However, it's clear that electric cars offer a significant cost advantage over traditional internal combustion engine cars.

Costs of Charging an Electric Vehicle at Home

Electricity costs can vary significantly across different regions and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the time of day and overall demand. In some areas, electricity usage and costs are lower during non-peak hours, particularly at night. To encourage this behavior, some electricity providers apply time-of-use rates, which can make electricity significantly cheaper during off-peak hours.

This is great news for those who opt to charge at home overnight. By taking advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours, you can further reduce the cost of EV charging and save money on energy bills.

However, it's important to note that electricity rates and time-of-use rates can vary significantly depending on where you live. In some areas, peak hours may be different, and the cost of electricity during off-peak hours may not be significantly lower. Additionally, some electricity providers may not offer time-of-use rates at all.

To find out more about electricity rates and time-of-use rates in your area, it's best to contact your electricity provider directly. They can provide you with detailed information about the cost of electricity, peak and off-peak hours, and any discounts or incentives that may be available for EV owners.

In addition to saving money on electricity, many EV owners also benefit from federal and state tax incentives that can further reduce the cost of owning an electric car. These incentives can vary depending on where you live, but they can often make EVs a more affordable option for many drivers.

Costs of Level 2 and Fast Charging

One of the challenges of estimating the cost of charging an EV is determining the average costs of public Level 2 and DC fast charging. Unlike home charging, public charging networks have varying prices and availability, making it difficult to calculate an accurate estimate of costs.

With Level 2 charging, which uses a 240-volt outlet, the cost can vary significantly depending on the location and the charging network. In some cases, Level 2 charging may be free, while in other cases, a fixed hourly rate may be charged. Some charging networks may also offer charging memberships that can help lower the cost of charging an EV.

When it comes to DC fast chargers, costs can vary widely depending on the location and the charging network. In some cases, the cost may be based on the amount of energy used, while in other cases, a flat fee may be charged. Some charging networks may also offer tiered pricing based on the speed of the charging.

Finding the Right EV Charger

If you're looking for a way to upgrade your home charging experience, consider investing in Level 2 charging equipment. The Lectron V-BOX 40/48 Amp Electric Vehicle Charging Station is a great option that offers maximum outputs of 40 and 48 amps, allowing for much faster charging speeds.

One of the great features of the V-BOX is that you can adjust the amp setting to help the grid during peak hours. For the 40-amp model, you can choose from amp settings of 16, 24, or 32 amps, while the 48-amp model offers amp settings of 16, 24, 32, or 40 amps. By adjusting the amp settings during peak hours, you can help reduce the demand on the grid and contribute to a more stable and sustainable energy system.

The V-BOX is also compatible with all J1172 EVs and plugs into a NEMA 14-50 outlet (hardwired for 48A), making it a great fit for your home charging needs. With its easy installation and user-friendly design, the V-BOX is a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their home charging setup.

To help you stay up to date on your V-BOX electricity consumption and avoid bill shock, the Lectron Power Meter allows you to monitor how much energy is used by the V-BOX. This feature provides valuable insights into your energy usage and can help you make more informed decisions about charging your EV at home.

Faster Electric Car Charging Means Higher Costs

While Level 2 chargers are a popular choice for residential charging, DC fast chargers are typically too expensive to be installed in a typical home. These chargers are designed for commercial use and are usually found in high-traffic areas and big cities with larger EV populations.

One of the reasons why DC fast chargers are not commonly used in residential settings is due to installation costs. These chargers are significantly more expensive than Level 2 chargers and require a much higher voltage and amperage to operate. As a result, they are typically only found in public locations, such as shopping centers, rest areas, and other high-traffic areas.

Another factor to consider when it comes to DC fast chargers is the variability in rates. Some charging networks may offer tiered pricing, with higher speeds costing more per minute.

Despite the higher cost and variability in rates, DC fast chargers can provide a full charge in just a fraction of the time it takes to charge with a Level 2 charger, making them ideal for long-distance travel and busy drivers who need a quick charge on the go.

Cost of Charging an Electric Car at a Charging Station

Charging an electric car at a public charging station is generally more expensive than charging at home. The cost of charging at a public charging station can vary widely depending on the location and the type of charging station.

On average, the cost of charging at a public charging station ranges from $0.10 to $0.60 per kWh. This means that it can cost anywhere from $4.00 to $24.00 to fully charge your electric car at a public charging station.

Charging an Electric Car for Free

Although it is not very common, there are some public charging stations that offer free charging for electric cars. These are often sponsored by local businesses or organizations that want to promote the use of electric cars and encourage more sustainable transportation options.

While these stations may be few and far between, they can provide a great way to charge your car without having to pay anything.

One way to find free charging stations is to use online resources such as charging station maps and EV charging apps. These tools can help you locate charging stations in your area and provide information on whether or not they have free charging available.

Another way to find free charging stations is to keep an eye out for local events or promotions that may offer free charging for electric cars. Many cities and communities host events that promote sustainable transportation and may offer free charging as part of the event.

Home charging is still the best option for EV drivers, but it’s still important to know where the closest charging outlets are.

Who knows? There might be free charging a few blocks away.

Just be wary of parking spaces that advertise free charging – parking fees here are high for a reason!

FAQs

• How much does it actually cost to charge an electric car?

  EV charging costs vary depending on the cost of electricity in your area, the type of charger you use, and how far you drive each day. On average, it costs around $0.13 per kWh to charge an electric car at home.

• How much does it cost to charge an electric car at a charging station in the US?

  The cost of charging an electric car at a charging station in the US ranges from $0.10 to $0.60 per kWh.

• Is charging an electric car cheaper than gas?

  In general, yes. The cost to operate an electric car is around $0.04 per mile, while the cost to operate a gasoline-powered car is around $0.13 per mile.

• Is it expensive to charge an electric car at home?

  Charging an electric car at home is generally cheaper than charging at a public charging station. On average, it costs around $0.13 per kWh to charge an electric car at home.

• How long does it take to fully charge an electric car?

  EVs are heated in the winter from:

  The time it takes to fully charge an electric car depends on the type of charger you use and the size of your car's battery. Level 1 charging can take up to 24 hours, while DC fast charging can fully charge your car in as little as 30 minutes.

• Are public charging stations free?

  While it's not common, there are some public charging stations that offer free charging for electric cars. These charging stations are often sponsored by local businesses or organizations that want to promote electric cars.

  For your EV charging needs, make sure to check out Lectron's line of Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations, adapters, and more!